South African economy needs transformation: Zuma

South African president urges black professionals to help his government in transforming local economy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AA) - South African president has urged black professionals to help his government in transforming the local economy, which reportedly remains under the local white community’s control despite 21 years since end of apartheid.

Addressing more than 80,000 supporters at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg city during the launch of the ruling African National Congress’ Gauteng provincial manifesto for the upcoming local government elections, Jacob Zuma said: “The ANC needs the wisdom, skills and expertise of the black intelligentsia.”

He said his government would work with all black professionals to ensure what he called “de-racialization” of the economy.

“Every year the employment equity statistics indicates that the management of the economy remain racially skewed; we should work together to change that,” he said.

Majority of black South Africans were excluded from the economy because of decades of apartheid, he said.

Zuma said the economy remains an apex priority of his government.

He also urged South Africans to vote for the ruling party in the August 3 local government elections.

“The ANC has a remarkable track record of delivering services to the people,’’ he said amid cheers of supporters dressed in yellow T-shits at a stadium which has a capacity to seat 95,000 people.

Zuma said since the ANC assumed power in 1994, the number of people receiving services such as free housing, electricity and water had doubled.

The South African leader remains under pressure from the opposition, who urge him to resign following a number of scandals.